Construction of C–X (X = N, O) bonds from benzyl alcohols via Cu-BTC-catalyzed oxidative coupling†

The development of environmentally friendly non-precious metal multiphase catalysts to construct C–X (X = N, O) bonds is highly desirable. Herein, an efficient Cu-BTC catalytic system for the oxidative coupling of benzyl alcohols to construct C–X (X = N, O) bonds for the synthesis of various quinazolinones and styryl ethers is reported. A wide variety of substituted quinazolinones and styryl ethers were synthesized in moderate to good isolated yields with a broad substrate scope via oxidative coupling reactions under aerobic conditions. Control experiments and isotopic labelling studies were carried out to understand the mechanism of the oxidative coupling reactions, which indicate that the Lewis acid site and porosity of Cu-BTC participate in a synergistic manner during the catalytic cycle. The crystal structure and catalytic activity of Cu-BTC remained basically unchanged after multiple recycling, demonstrating exceptional stability and reproducibility.